Omega-3 supplements in adolescent psychosis, eating disorders, and anxiety: can they help?
In the case of psychosis in adolescence (with attenuating eating disorder, presence of anxiety and being treated with Risperdal and fluoxetine) could an Omega-3 supplement be useful? And if so, which one? Thank you
Dear Fulvia,
your question about the usefulness of dietary supplementation with Omega-3 makes me think that you already have some information about this, which I will try to complete.
A diet deficient in omega-3 fatty acids has been linked to an increased risk of developing brain disorders inherent in:
- memory (dementia);
- attention (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder);
- mood (depression);
- thinking (bipolar disorder and schizophrenia).
Many scientific studies point to the positive effect of Omega-3s in mood disorders, anxiety and depression. In fact, EPA and DHA regulate the production of neurotransmitters (such as dopamine and serotonin) as well as promote mood balance, calmness and coordination.
Studies then show that EPA is as effective as Fluoxetine in controlling depressive symptoms, while the EPA-Fluoxetine combination was found to be better than their single administration. This suggests a synergistic effect between the 2 compounds that justifies their use in combination. With regard to eating disorders, according to the data to date, both women and men suffering from anorexia nervosa have lower than optimal levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).
For this reason, some experts suggest enriching the diet of these patients with omega-3-rich foods, such as oily fish, or starting supplementation with Omega-3 supplements. The product I recommend is Omegor Vitality 1410 mg, which is highly concentrated and purified in EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids in triglyceride form, the one most easily assimilated by our bodies. The effective dose of Omega-3 in depressive disorders is about 1 g.
Each pearl of Omegor Vitality contains 400 mg of EPA and 200 mg of DHA, so the recommended dosage is at least 2 pearls per day in a single administration or in 2 separate administrations before a meal. However, I recommend that you always talk to your treating physician, who is familiar with your medical history, and inform him or her of your choice to start Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in conjunction with other drug therapies.
Best regards
Dr. Rosaria Ramondino Pharmacist and Pharmaceutical Chemist
